The Arizona State Sun Devilstook a giant step toward potentially representing the Pac-12 in the Rose Bowl come January 1. On Saturday night, they took the in-state rival Arizona Wildcatsto the woodshed, winning in convincing fashion 58-21. The Sun Devils led the entire way, jumping out to a 27-0 lead.

With the victory, the Sun Devils will now host the Pac-12 Championship Game next week against the Stanford Cardinal. Both teams are firing on all cylinders, and ASU will head into the game on a seven-game winning streak.

Being able to host the game just may be the x-factor that the Sun Devils need to take down the Cardinal. The game will be a rematch from earlier this year where Stanford won on their home turf. The Tempe home crowd was in a frenzy against the Wildcats and will need to repeat that performance next week as well.

The winner of the game will likely be on their way to Pasadena for the Rose Bowl. If Arizona State were to get there, it would be their first trip back since the 1997 game. Arizona State is averaging an incredible 44 points per game during their seven-game win streak, all against conference opponents. The Sun Devils will need an offensive output like that to get past Stanford and raise the Pac-12 Trophy.

Looking ahead to next week, with the home crowd behind them, look for the Sun Devils to rise up, get revenge and head toward the Parade of Roses.